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2014 Kansas City Gameday HQ

FIELDING
The Cubs were middle of the pack in fielding, but will be strong on
the infield, as Anthony Rizzo is Gold Glove-caliber, second baseman
Darwin Barney won one in 2012—although he could lose his spot if he
doesn’t hit more—and Castro, who committed the fewest errors (22) with
the highest fielding percentage (.967) of his young career, at shortstop.
Third base could be an issue with either Luis Valbuena or Mike Olt. The
outfield is adequate, with strong-armed Schierholtz ranking fifth in assists
(five) last season. Versatile free agent pickup Emilio Bonifacio is solid on
the middle infield and in the outfield. Castillo isn’t the defender Dioner
Navarro was but will get an opportunity to develop.
STARTING PITCHING
Chicago will count on the trio of Jeff Samardzija, Edwin Jackson and
Travis Wood, even though the Cubs shopped Samardzija who hit 200
innings and made more than 30 starts. Jackson was signed to a big
four-year deal last winter but was 8-18 with an ERA around 5.00 in his
31 starts. Wood, the leading winner with nine, pitched 200 innings and
led the team with 24 quality starts. The Cubs totalled 90 quality starts,
sixth in the NL, and 17 more than 2012. Completing the rotation will be
31-year-old, eight-year veteran Jason Hammel, an off-season free agent
signing, with Jake Arrieta, Carlos Villanueva and former Pirate James
McDonald battling to be the fifth starter.
RELIEF PITCHING
With 26 blown saves, second-most in the NL, and a 4.04 ERA, thirdhighest,
last season, the Cubs bullpen needed restructuring. Free agent
Jose Veras who, at 32, was a superb set-up man for Detroit will try to
do what Kevin Gregg and Carlos Marmol could not, effectively close. The
well-traveled Veras, who will be with his eighth different team in eight
years, had 21 saves in 25 opportunities last season with Houston then
Detroit. Also back is last year’s workhorse, lefty Jeff Russell (a teamhigh
74 appearances last season) and righty Pedro Strop, acquired from
Baltimore, who pitched to a 2.83 ERA in 37 appearances. Carryovers
Hector Rondon and Blake Parker and newly acquired Wesley Wright will
also battle for innings.
MANAGING
It’s Year Three of the Theo Epstein/Jed Hoyer Era and while the Cubs
haven’t shown any tangible signs of moving up, help is on the way. The
restocked minor league system is bursting with talented prospects, some
of whom may be on their way to Chicago this season. The hiring of Rick
Renteria, 51, who recently served as bench coach for Bud Black in San
Diego, where he worked for Hoyer, as the franchise’s 53rd manager
caught some by surprise. But with his patience and teaching skill he could
turn out to be a perfect fit.
Anthony Rizzo
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